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Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall becomes Patron of the National Literacy Trust after joining bus journey celebration
17 Nov 2010
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall becomes Patron of the National Literacy Trust after joining bus journey celebration
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall and famous children’s authors joined an event today (17 November) to mark 15 years of the National Literacy Trust’s programme for children in disadvantaged communities. During the reception it was announced that Her Royal Highness will become Patron of the charity.
A class of thirty children aged nine and ten from St Augustine’s CE Primary School in Westminster were the lucky winners of a “bus journey of reading” which saw the bus travel down Pall Mall to Clarence House to collect Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
Armed with their “golden tickets”, the youngsters boarding the Routemaster number 15 bus were greeted by bus conductor Wally (of Where’s Wally? fame) and enjoyed storytelling and activity sessions by popular children’s authors, including Jeremy Strong and Tommy Donbavand, who joined the bus at key points along the route. Welcoming the passengers at the final stop, the London Transport Museum, were a host of popular storybook characters including Maisy Mouse, Elmer the elephant and Walker Bear. The children then took part in a tour of the museum, before returning to school with a book-themed goody bag.
After the bus journey, The Duchess of Cornwall met supporters past and present at a reception to celebrate the work of the charity’s National Young Readers’ Programme in encouraging hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged youngsters to develop a love of reading.
Director of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas, says:
“We are absolutely delighted that The Duchess of Cornwall has become Patron of the National Literacy Trust. Her Royal Highness’s support will help us to ensure children and adults across the UK have the literacy skills they need for a happier, healthier and more prosperous life.
“Low levels of literacy are associated with poverty, family instability, unemployment and even crime. By supporting literacy we can build a more stable society and an economy fit for the future.
“Today we have been thrilled to celebrate the success of our National Young Readers’ Programme. Since 1995 this programme has worked with 325,000 children from disadvantaged communities and given these children the opportunity to choose 935,000 free books to keep. By supporting the literacy of disadvantaged children we are helping them to develop vital skills for a successful and fulfilling life.”
Anthony Horowtiz, author of the popular Alex Rider teen spy series, spoke at the reception. He says:
“I was delighted to take part in the 15th birthday celebrations of the National Young Readers' Programme. I believe that every child in the country should be given the space and the opportunity to discover the sheer pleasure of reading - and that's exactly what this programme does in more than two hundred communities around the UK. It was a terrific and a very worthwhile day."
Ends
For more information about the National Literacy Trust please contact Miss Anna Lindsay, Public Relations Officer via anna.lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk or 020 7820 6256. For more information about Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall please contact Miss Eva Omaghomi, Assistant Press Secretary via eva.omaghomi@royal.gsx.gov.uk
Media can access free photos and footage of the event. A Royal Rota was in operation. Please contact the Press Association for images. The Clarence House Press Office will have details of the Pool broadcaster. It you have any queries regarding the Royal Rota, please contact Miss Eva Omaghomi.
If you are not a member of the Royal Rota, please contact Miss Anna Lindsay at the National Literacy Trust for images from the event.
Notes to Editors
1. About the National Young Readers’ Programme
The National Young Readers’ Programme (formerly Reading is Fundamental, UK) is the National Literacy Trust initiative which motivates disadvantaged children and young people to read for pleasure. The programme helps children and young people to acquire the skills they need to develop as a reader, from knowing how to choose a book that engages them, to where they can find books once the project is over.
2. About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation or support our work. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842
3. About Walker Books
Walker Books is the world’s leading independent publisher of children’s books and is part of a vibrant international group that includes Candlewick Press in America, and Walker Books Australia. Founded in 1980 Walker now publishes over 300 books a year across all genres, while remaining true to its original ethos: the pursuit of excellence. Walker Books is home to many award-winning authors and illustrators including Anthony Horowitz, Martin Handford and Tommy Donbavand. Further information can be found at www.walker.co.uk.
